James Stavridis
Admiral, U.S. Navy (Retired) Independent Military Leader
Summary
Former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO who criticized the use of military force against protesters in 2020 as beyond American norms.
In Their Own Words
Key Statements
“
Beyond the pale of American norms
Criticizing use of military force against protesters
“
It was particularly ill-advised to include active duty military personnel in that event.
Regarding the Lafayette Square incident
Timeline
July 2, 2009
Appointed Supreme Allied Commander Europe
Led NATO's military operations worldwide
May 10, 2013
Retired from Navy
Completed 37 years of service
June 2013
Became Dean of Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy
Continued work on international relations
June 3, 2020
Condemned Trump's use of military
Published op-ed criticizing militarized response
Why This Matters
Credibility & Background
Positions Held
- Supreme Allied Commander Europe, NATO (2009-2013)
- Commander, U.S. European Command (2009-2013)
- Commander, U.S. Southern Command (2006-2009)
Awards & Honors
- Defense Distinguished Service Medal (2x)
- Navy Distinguished Service Medal (4x)
- Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale Award
Analysis
Reasons for Opposition
- 01 Trump's use of military against protesters violated American norms
- 02 Combining civil-military force was inappropriate
- 03 Using active duty military in domestic political events was ill-advised
- 04 Actions damaged civil-military relations
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